Adams & Adams

Are you a Gauteng based estate agent? Then this is for you!

Our recent free training seminar focused on the laws applicable for authentication of documents executed outside the Republic of South Africa for use within the republic, ensuring that you stay at the top of your game as the driven and competitive real estate professional.
Don't worry if you missed the seminar because we've got more opportunities coming your way in the new year, but don’t delay as seats are limited!

Register your interest today by contacting [email protected] to secure your seat of knowledge with the skilled conveyancers at Adams & Adams.

We are happy to announce our collaboration with Qualcomm Incorporated on the launch of the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform. This complimentary online training programme aims to empower innovators across Africa by providing essential intellectual property (IP) knowledge to safeguard, secure, and benefit from their inventions. The L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform offers in-depth training on the fundamentals of IP, encompassing patents, designs, trade marks, and the integration of IP into business models. For more information, visit: https://buff.ly/4alrQPy

Congratulations to six of our attorneys on being recognised in Mondaq's Autumn 2023 Thought Leadership Awards!

Our attorneys won six of the seven category awards in South Africa. The awards recognise individuals who showcased outstanding expertise and insight in providing industry-relevant content to Mondaq's global audience. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/3RvX4Ms

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re joining the Advennt platform! Experience concise and strategic intelligence tailored just for you, all in one place. Advennt's global network of legal professionals, armed with extensive knowledge of their jurisdictions, ensures their data stays relevant and up to date. We’re proud and excited to be a new contributor. Learn more on their website: https://buff.ly/47HBVog

In the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal in the case involving The Body Corporate of Marsh Rose and Steinmuller and Others, the court emphasised the inherent right of a body corporate to impede the property transfer process by withholding a levy clearance certificate due to outstanding payments owed by the property owner. Alicia Heyneke latest article examines the case's details and explores the potential implications of the 'embargo,' on both property owners and prospective buyers. Click here to read more: https://buff.ly/47TEfbk

Happy Thanksgiving from Adams & Adams! Wishing all our American clients a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

On 4 December 2023, the Pretoria High Court will decide the constitutionality of Section 10(2) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act and whether it should be referred to the Constitutional Court.
Adams & Adams, in collaboration with the Gauteng Attorney’s Association, have been invited as Amicus Curiae to contribute their expertise for a fair decision. The case involves a Constitutional challenge raised in a divorce action regarding Section 10(2). Given the complexity of Customary Law in South African Family Law, it requires recognition, understanding, and development to align with the Constitution and promote equality. Click here to read more: https://buff.ly/3uq3hkf

Recent media reports highlight a rising trend of individuals choosing to collectively buy properties, a development likely fueled by escalating interest rates and the increasing cost of living. However, this surge in joint property ownership has also led to a notable uptick in conflicts among co-owners.

When multiple individuals jointly own a property, each co-owner possesses an undivided share in the property, allowing them the right to use the property reasonably and in proportion to their ownership share. Simoné Engelbrecht takes a closer look in her latest article here: https://buff.ly/3sxQOKH

Severe hailstorms struck significant areas of Johannesburg and Mpumalanga on Monday, causing extensive damage to cars, roads, buildings, infrastructure, and various establishments. For those affected, the immediate concern revolves around the viability of an insurance claim. Answering this question isn't straightforward due to the uniqueness of each claim. However, there are steps that can potentially improve the chances of a successful claim. Mtho Maphumulo shares more here: https://buff.ly/3MKQHlF

Happy Diwali from Adams & Adams! Wishing all our clients, colleagues and staff, a happy and prosperous Diwali.

As Africa’s largest intellectual property law firm, Adams & Adams has continued to establish Associate Offices in strategic jurisdictions within the continent. With 23 Associate Office across Africa currently, the establishment of an office in Egypt in 2015, remains a significant milestone in the evolution of the firm.

Our office in Egypt has provided the firm with a strong foothold in the North African region and enhanced our ability to offer better and more cost-effective services to our clients. The Firm has extensive experience in IP matters across North Africa including Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/dNSccz92

Selecting a name or brand for your startup or new business venture carries significant weight. The process of selecting a brand name or trade mark requires careful thought, time, and effort. Choosing a completely unique and novel mark, is the most effective way to ensure distinctiveness. However, some brand owners make the mistake of using descriptive names, which may hinder their brand's ability to stand out. Click here to read more: https://tinyurl.com/ynfw8vyt

Godfrey Budeli, Head of our Anti-Counterfeiting Department, recently engaged with a number of 3rd year law students at the University of Pretoria on the 26th of October 2023. This engagement was part of the global INTA Unreal Campaign series of presentations to young people at Schools and Universities. The Unreal Campaign is a consumer awareness initiative to educate young people about the importance of intellectual property rights or brands and the dangers posed by counterfeit products to consumers. Counterfeit goods trade has grown exponentially in the recent past due to the internet and advanced technology.

This initiative has made a remarkable impact worldwide and thousands of students from several jurisdictions have benefited since the launch of the Unreal Campaign in 2012. Sincere thanks to Dr. Chijioke Okorie and Ms. Lucinda Kok from the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria for the collaboration and continued support for this initiative.

Congratulations to Alicia Kabini, who has been recognised for her exceptional performance on World Intellectual Property Review Diversity's 2023 Influential Women in IP list! This annual listing highlights outstanding women globally in the field of intellectual property. Alicia stands out as the only representative from South Africa. For the full listing, visit: https://bit.ly/3ttH5Fg

Congratulations to the Springboks for winning the Rugby World Cup with a historic victory! 🏆

What a remarkable and meaningful win for the team and the country! This triumph is not just an impressive accomplishment for the players, but also an unforgettable moment for our country. At Adams & Adams, we applaud these exceptional athletes and find their dedication and outstanding performance on the rugby field truly inspiring.

Shani van Niekerk recently spoke to Hot 102.7 FM about the Constitutional Court’s changes to the Divorce Act. Listen to the full interview here: https://tinyurl.com/3d6z73s8

Adams & Adams sends our best wishes to the Springboks as they gear up for the 2023 Rugby World Cup final! Your journey has already been a source of immense pride, and we're eagerly looking forward to the unforgettable moments you'll create. Let's bring it home, team! We're behind you all the way! 🇿🇦

Insurance claims can be be repudiated for various reasons. To increase the chances of avoiding insurance repudiation, it's crucial to understand the terms in a policy. Even though it doesn't guarantee a payout, this knowledge can improve the odds. In liability insurance, there's usually a "notification clause" requiring insureds to promptly inform the insurer of events with potential liability. Additionally, many insurance policies have deadlines for reporting claims. Missing these deadlines can lead to a valid claim being denied. These clauses are important, as explained by Mtho Maphumulo here: https://tinyurl.com/3dj5yrns

Intellectual Property (IP) plays a pivotal role in accelerating innovation across economies, enabling entities to invest with certainty and to develop creative solutions.

As a leading African law firm, Adams & Adams is proud to endorse and support IFPMA's initiative, recognising the important role IP plays in driving progress and fostering solutions to pressing global challenges.

In the second and final episode of a podcast series with Managing IP, partner Jenny Pienaar and senior associate Nicole Haworth, provide an in-depth analysis of South Africa's controversial R3337 food labelling bill. This bill is poised to bring about significant transformations in the global food industry. They also delve into the primary objectives of the bill in its current iteration and its potential implications for branding and food packaging in South Africa. Listen to the full podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3nnxvp

Another victory for an unmarried biological father!

On 18 October 2023, Shani van Niekerk, together with Advocate Bernette Bergenthuin, obtained a Court Order securing primary care of a minor child with his father after a 10-year battle.

The young boy was subjected to emotional abuse, and the father almost lost hope in helping him. The Adams & Adams Family Law team approached the court on an extreme urgent basis with the assistance of trusted psychologists. The perception of maternal preference was trumped.

Intellectual Property will always play a key role in driving innovation, ultimately making breakthroughs happen. As a leading African law firm, Adams & Adams proudly endorses and supports IFPMA's initiative.

We recognise the vital role a robust legal framework plays in aiding pioneers as they navigate both the challenges and the financial risks and rewards inherent in pursuing innovation.

Thank you for attending ! It was a fantastic day sharing legal learnings, insights, and knowledge from the past year. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.

The final panel discussion of features Lita Miti-Qamata, Maureen Makoko and Darren Olivier joined by Rochelle von Veh, owner of Vonvé Bridal Couture, for a discussion reflecting on the journey of life through intellectual property.

Ramon Pereira, Senior Associate at Adams & Adams, shares a brief review of the South African patent practice and recent developments impacting practical considerations.